Center Frequently Asked Questions

I just want to explain simply how meaningful it is that we have Dharma centers so that we can help so many sentient beings while they have this most precious human body by awakening them to the unmistaken causes of happiness and suffering through explaining the Buddha’s teachings on karma, which is our experience, not merely belief. By offering this education we open their lives to all happiness – not just that of this life, but that of future lives and the ultimate happiness of liberation from samsara and the peerless happiness of full enlightenment. How fortunate and happy I am! How fortunate and happy we are!

—Lama Zopa Rinpoche

What is an FPMT Center, or Study Group? | How do I find a Dharma Center? | How do I Start a Study Group? | Safeguarding and Problem Solving

What Does it Mean to be an FPMT Center, Project, Service, or Study Group?

Each FPMT center, project or service is incorporated individually (is a separate legal entity), and is responsible for its own governance and finance.

All FPMT centers, projects, and services are affiliated, or pending affiliation, with FPMT Inc.  This means that the FPMT center, project, or service has signed a legal agreement to follow the spiritual direction of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and use FPMT education programs and materials.  It also means that they will abide by national law, and FPMT policy – for example that all in a position of authority will follow the FPMT Ethical Policy.

FPMT study groups are groups which are functioning in a probationary period before the group affiliates with FPMT Inc., and becomes a full FPMT center, project, or service.  This probationary status means that FPMT study groups do not have the same responsibilities as an affiliate, financially or administratively.   Study group coordinators are required to abide by the FPMT Ethical Policy.  FPMT study groups are required to work to develop into an affiliated FPMT center, project, or service, within a period of two years, but this can take longer if needed.

There is no FPMT center or study group near me – how do I find a local Dharma center?

You could contact your nearest FPMT center and ask them if they know of any Dharma centers near you – usually FPMT centers will be familiar with other groups in their local area.

I’m interested in Starting an FPMT Study Group – how do I go about it?

Thank you for your interest in starting an FPMT study group.

The first step is for you to ask the FPMT center closest to you to explore the possibility of that center starting a satellite (or outreach) group where you live, organized by you and managed by the center. This is our preferred option because it provides the support and nurturing which gives a new group the best environment to be sustainable, and to flourish.

Satellite (outreach) groups can request to become an FPMT study group in their own right, if the group has matured to that level after some time as a satellite group.

All FPMT centers, projects, and services begin as informal “study groups” (probationary centers, projects, or services) before they are able to apply for full FPMT center, project, or service status. This probationary period provides the opportunity to see whether developing in accordance with FPMT policy and guidelines is working for the group, and for the group’s harmonious coordination with other FPMT centers, projects, and services, before becoming a full FPMT center, project or service. It is essential that the group has the intention to fulfill the steps required in order to develop from a study group to become a full FPMT center, project, or service.

FPMT-affiliated centers, projects and services were founded by a student with a connection with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, or through connection with another FPMT center. The student often has the wish to open a center in order to bring Dharma to people in their local area, and have that support themselves. If you have not yet taken teachings from Lama Zopa Rinpoche, it  would be very good to do so, whether in person or online, to check that you are happy to follow the spiritual direction of the FPMT spiritual director.

It is important to be aware that FPMT centers, projects, services, and study groups follow a policy concerning teachers. This means that they generally only invite teachers who are in the Tibetan Gelug tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa, and who are registered as teachers by FPMT International Office. Lama Zopa Rinpoche, as spiritual director of the FPMT organization, appoints resident teachers for FPMT centers.

Any FPMT group must use FPMT education programs, rather than alternative programs, which may be excellent, but are not in the unique lineage of Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche.

Any new FPMT Study Group is supported by its regional and or national coordinator. The coordinator will advise on local FPMT registered teachers, practical questions, and will help the group understand and comply with FPMT policy and guidelines.

As mentioned above, during the probationary period the study group can  ensure that they are comfortable operating within the FPMT organization, and that there is enough local support for their activities, and so on. During this time the group must plan to become a full FPMT center, project or service and to affiliate with FPMT Inc., according to FPMT policy and local law.  Each FPMT center, project, service and study group is responsible for itself legally and financially – the study group is responsible for creating an appropriate legal entity based on the guidelines which we provide before it becomes a full FPMT center, project or service.

FPMT International Office is Lama Zopa Rinpoche’s office and the world-wide headquarters of the FPMT organization.  International Office facilitates communication between Rinpoche and FPMT centers, projects, and services. International Office provides education programs and practice materials, and policy and guidance on what constitutes, and how to establish, good management. International Office does not provide financial support for study groups, centers, projects or services – local students must take financial  responsibility.

If you would like to discuss starting an FPMT study group, please contact the appropriate FPMT center, or the FPMT Center Services director.  It is important to be very familiar with the FPMT organization before going further – for example by studying one of our online or correspondence courses; and attending teachings/retreats with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and programs at existing FPMT centers.

Safeguarding and Problem Solving

Please read this information regarding safeguarding adults and children, and describing how we approach problem solving in the FPMT organization.  You will also find links to advice about relating to teachers in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.